Hull FCreporter Paul Clarke takes a look at the key talking points to come out of the Black and Whites' 32-24 victory over Castleford Tigers in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Fast defence and intent in attack

Hull set the tone for the entire contest in the first ten minutes. Strong work in getting up field by FC's forwards and outside backs set the platform for a fast start.

Lee Radford's men overwhelmed Castleford and ran over their opposition. Fetuli Talanoa's try underlined the hosts' dominance as he simply over-powered his opposite number Greg Minikin to score.

Talanoa and Mahe Fonua were everything to Hull coming off their own line and early in sets. That duo in particular were crucial to the win.

But like any match Hull didn't have it all their own way. In defence they were put under pressure but for the most part they did just enough on the edges to stop Castleford's top players from running riot.

FC's defensive line was always up in the faces of the Tigers, forcing several errors from unlikely sources during the game. It was this defence which ultimately kept the visitors to only four tries on the afternoon, with Castleford this season averaging almost 35 points a game.

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Taking sting out and coping with heat

Both sides had to endure tough conditions at the KCOM Stadium to say the least. Temperatures around 30c left the players fatigued at points in the game but Hull did a good job of preserving energy. FC went for a penalty goal five times, with Jake Connor connecting on four of the attempts.

These attempts not only provided the eight-point difference with which FC won the game, they preserved the energy of the FC players and handed Castleford more defensive work. That approach from Radford proved crucial.

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Tuimavave top notch

Carlos Tuimavave had arguably his best game for Hull. Playing at left centre, he was assured in defence and good in attack from a metres perspective.

He intercepted Ben Roberts' pass to go the length to give FC an early lead before providing an excellent offload for Jamie Shaul's decisive second-half try.

Atmosphere was superb

The attendance was 11,944 and the atmosphere was superb. Both sets of fans had their loud moments and quiet moments but overall it made for a great spectacle.

Hull fans memorably began copying a chant of Castleford's in the second half which upset the Tigers and seemed to inspire FC. It was certainly an atmosphere worthy of a top notch quarter-final tie.

When will FC face Leeds?

Almost immediately after Phil Bentham blew the final whistle on the contest, the Challenge Cup semi-final draw was made.

Some Hull fans were still in the KCOM when Leeds Rhinos were drawn to play the Black and Whites in the final four.

The clash will take place on either Saturday, July 29 or Sunday, July 30. After Friday and Saturday games in the semis last season, it's understood the Rugby Football League are changing it up this year.

You'd anticipate Hull and Leeds to face each other on the Saturday considering the travelling issues for FC fans, with Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium believed to be the venue for the tie. Details should be confirmed early next week.